Ofer Winter Affirms Support for Netanyahu as Right-Wing Leader, Vows Party Independence

Ofer Winter, retired Brigadier General and chairman of the Amcha Israel party, unequivocally stated that his party will recommend Benjamin Netanyahu for prime minister. Responding to repeated questions about his stance on Netanyahu, Winter emphasized that Amcha Israel is firmly in the right-wing camp and recognizes Netanyahu as its leader. "We are in the right-wing camp, the leader of the right-wing camp is Netanyahu, and only him will we recommend," he declared.

Winter expressed gratitude for the strong support his party has received since its inception but stressed that they serve only the people of Israel and not any individual. Despite backing Netanyahu, he insisted that the party will maintain its independence and not be swayed by external pressures. On the contentious issue of ultra-Orthodox conscription, Winter stated that Haredim will be integrated into the Israel Defense Forces with or without the agreement of their leadership.

Regarding security concerns, Winter proposed promoting voluntary migration from the Gaza Strip and criticized current policies as overly accommodating. He called for a shift from a policy of containment to one of decisive resolution. Additionally, Winter advocated for a revamp of Israel's public diplomacy efforts, promising a more genuine and effective approach to advocacy for the state.

Winter's remarks outline his party's political alignment, security priorities, and vision for Israel's future, setting the stage for their role in the upcoming government formation process.